1

MATRIX CONVERTERS

A PROJECT REPORT
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Supervisor
Dr. S.K.singh
Assistant Professor

Submitted by
Gajendra Jeph (11404EN020)
Neha Bagari (11404EN022)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY)
VARANASI-221005
INDIA

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the progress report entitled, Modeling,Simulation

and Analysis of Matrix Converters Using Venturini Algorithm
submitted by Gajendra Jeph and Neha Bagari in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the award of the degree of Bachelor of Technology in
Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras
Hindu University),Varanasi, is an authentic work carried out by them
under my supervision and guidance. To the best of my knowledge the matter
embodied in the project report has not been submitted to any other
University/Institute for the award of degree or diploma.

Supervisor

(Dr. S. K. Singh)
Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology(BHU)
Varanasi-221005

Approved for Submission

(Dr. S. P. Singh)
Professor and Head
Department of Electrical Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology(BHU)
Varanasi-221005

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this opportunity to express our deep sense of gratitude and

indebtedness to our esteemed supervisor Dr. S. K. Singh, Assistant Professor,
Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology(BHU),
Varanasi,(Uttar Pradesh),India, who has helped us enormously and always
inspired us by his indispensable guidance and encouragement during the
whole long project work. He has always supported and strengthened us in
many aspects. We consider ourselves fortunate to have worked under his
supervision in the field of Modeling, Simulation and Analysis of Matrix
Converter Using Venturini Algorithm.
We are highly grateful to Dr. S. P. Singh,Professor and Head,
Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology,
Banaras Hindu University, for providing necessary facilities and
encouragement during the course of the work.
We would also like to thank our seniors and classmates for their valuable
suggestions that proved helpful.
We would also like to express our feeling toward our parents and god
who directly or indirectly encouraged and motivated us during this work .
Last but not the least we would like to thank all those who have done
valuable work in matrix converter paving the way for us.

Gajendra Jeph

Neha Bagari

Index
S.No.

Content

Page No.

1.

Abstract ..........................................................5

2.

Introduction...................................................6

3.

Basic Topology..............................................7-8

4.

Performance................................................9-11

5.

Implementation
of Matrix converter....................................11-19

6.

Modulation Technique
(Venturini Method)....................................20-24

7.

Practical Issues......................................... 25-28

8.

Simulation and Result..............................29-39

9.

Conclusion.................................................40-41

10.

Future Work................................................42

11.

References....................................................43

Abstract
The matrix converter is an array of controlled semiconductor switches that connects
directly the three-phase source to the three-phase load.This converter has several
attractive features that have been investigated in the last two decades. In the last few
years, an increase in research work has been observed,bringing this topology closer to the
industrial application.A matrix converter (MC) which makes directly AC-AC power
conversion is modeled using Matlab & Simulink and its working principles are analyzed.
The gate signals of the power switches of MC are produced using Optimum
Amplitude-Venturini Modulation (OAVM) method.
This method provides the amplitude of output voltage up to 86.6% of input voltage, and
unity fundamental displacement factor at the input regardless of the load displacement
factor.

Introduction
The matrix converter providing directly ac-ac power conversion is one of the most
interesting members of the power converter family. Matrix converter firstly introduced in
1976 started to improving after papers of Venturini and Alesina in 1980. The proposed
method by these authors is known as the Venturini method or the direct transfer function
approach. In this method, gate-drive signals for the nine bidirectional switches are
calculated to generate variable-frequency and/or variable-amplitude sinusoidal output
voltages from the fixed-frequency and the fixed-amplitude input voltages.
The MC has some advantages as follows according to traditional converter Generation of output voltages with the desirable amplitude and frequency;
Energy regeneration aptitude to the mains;
Sinusoidal input and output currents;
Controllable of input displacement factor regardless of the load;
Compact design due to the lack of dc-link components for energy storage.
But the matrix converter has also some disadvantages. First of all it has a maximum
input output voltage transfer ratio limited to 87 % for sinusoidal input and output
waveforms. It requires more semiconductor devices than a conventional AC-AC indirect
power frequency converter, since no monolithic bi-directional switches exist and
consequently discrete unidirectional devices, variously arranged, have to be used for each
bi-directional switch. Finally, it is particularly sensitive to the disturbances of the input
voltage
system.
The physical realization of the MC is very difficult, and the number of the devices in
the power circuit is higher than that of the inverter. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain an
effective model and to test it before constructing a working prototype of the MC.
However, popular circuit-oriented simulation software packages such as PSPICE, PSIM
and Matlab&Simulink have not got the model of an MC as a standard block in their
libraries.

1. BASIC TOPOLOGY
The matrix converter consists of 9 bi-directional switches that allow any output phase to
be connected to any input phase. The circuit scheme is shown in Fig.1. The input
terminals of the converter are connected to a three phase voltage-fed system, usually the
grid, while the output terminal are connected to a three phase current- fed system, like an
induction motor might be. The capacitive filter on the voltage- fed side and the inductive
filter on the current- fed side represented in the scheme of Fig.1 are intrinsically
necessary. Their size is inversely proportional to the matrix converter switching
frequency.

Fig.1-Circuit scheme of a three phase to three phase matrix converter

tWith nine bi-directional switches the matrix converter can theoretically assume 512 (29)
different switching states combinations. But not all of them can be usefully employed.
Regardless to the control method used, the choice of the matrix converter switching states
combinations (from now on simply matrix converter configurations) to be used must
comply with two basic rules. Taking into account that the converter is supplied by a
voltage source and usually feeds an inductive load, the input phases should never be
short-circuited and the output currents should not be interrupted. From a practical point of
view these rules imply that one and only one bi-directional switch per output phase must
be switched on at any instant. By this constraint, in a three phase to three phase matrix
converter 27 are the permitted switching combinations.
A direct MC (DMC) is a single-stage converter with mn bidirectional power switches
that connects an m-phase voltage source to an n-phase load . The DMC of 33 switches,is
the most important from a practical point of view because it connects a three-phase
source to a three-phase load, typically a motor.

Sij(t)=1,switch on
0,switch off
The power filter at the input of the converter mitigates the high-frequency components of
the MC input currents, generating almost sinusoidal source currents and avoiding the
generation of overvoltages. Overvoltages are caused by the fast commutation of input
currents due to the presence of the short-circuit reactance of any real power supply. The
inductance of the input filter Lf and capacitor Cf provide series resonance for any
harmonic coming from the three-phase mains and parallel resonance for current
harmonics generated in currents iA,iB, and iC through the operation of the switches. When
the frequency of these harmonics is close to the resonance frequency of the filter, strong
oscillations will appear. The design of the input filter is an important issue in the
operation of the DMC. Due to the presence of capacitors at the input of the DMC, only
one switch on each column can be closed. Furthermore,the inductive nature of the load
makes it impossible to interrupt the load current suddenly, and therefore, at least one
switch of each column must be closed.
In order to develop a modulation strategy for the MC, it is necessary to develop a
mathematical model, which can be derived directly

vo = T(Sij)vi
ii=T(Sij)Tio
Where
vo=[va vb vc]T is the output voltage vector,
vi=[vA vB vC]T is the input voltage vector,
ii=[iA iB iC]T is the input current vector,
io=[ ia ib ic]T is the output current vector, and
T(Sij) is the instantaneous transfer matrix of the DMC as a function of the switches Sij ,
which is defined as

2.Performance
This section gives a short description of what are the performance of a matrix converter.
A qualitative analysis of some performance parameters is carried out. Some numerical
results based on simplified model of a matrix converter system are also shown.

2.1 The output voltage

Since no energy storage components are present between the input and output side of the
matrix converter, the output voltages have to be generated directly from the input
voltages. Each output voltage waveform is synthesized by sequential piecewise sampling
of the input voltage waveforms. The sampling rate has to be set much higher than both
input and output frequencies, and the duration of each sample is controlled in such a way
that the average value of the output waveform within each sample period tracks the
desired output waveform . As consequence of the input-output direct connection, at any
instant, the output voltages have to fit within the enveloping curve of the input voltage
system. Under this constraint, the maximum output voltage the matrix converter can
generate without entering the over- modulation range is equal to 3/2 of the maximum
input voltage: this is an intrinsic limit of matrix converter and it holds for any control law.
Entering in the over- modulation range, thus accepting a certain amount of distortion in
the output voltages and input currents, it is possible to reach higher voltage transfer ratio .
In Fig.2 the output voltage waveform of a matrix converter is shown and compared to the
output waveform of a traditional voltage source inverter (VSI). The output voltage of a
VSI can assume only two discrete fixed potential values, those of the positive and
negative DC-bus. In the case of the matrix converter the output voltages can assume
either input voltage a, b or c and their value is not time-invariant: the effect is a reduction
of the switching harmonics.

(a) VSI

(b) Matrix converter

Fig.2 Output voltage waveforms generated by a VSI and a

matrix converter.

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2.2 The input current

Likewise to the output voltages, the input currents are directly generated by the output
currents, synthesized by sequential piecewise sampling of the output current waveforms.
If the switching frequency of the matrix converter is set to a value that is much higher
than the input and output frequency, the input currents drawn by the converter are
sinusoidal: their harmonic spectrum consists only of the fundamental desired component
plus a harmonic content around the switching frequency. In Fig.3 the input current drawn
by a matrix converter for a 2 kHz switching frequency is shown. It can be noted that the
amplitude of the switching harmonic components is comparable to the fundamental
amplitude. It is then obvious that an input filter is needed in order to reduce the harmonic
distortion of the input line current to an acceptable level. It follows that care should be
used in speaking about matrix converters as an all silicon solution for direct AC/AC
power conversion, since some reactive components are needed. The matrix converter
performance in terms of input currents represent a significant improvement with respect
to the input currents drawn by a traditional VSI converters with a diode bridge rectifier,
whose harmonic spectrum shows a high content of low-order harmonics. By the light of
the standards related to power quality and harmonic distortion of the power supply this is
a very attractive feature of matrix converter.

Fig. 3- Matrix converter input current and harmonic spectrum (switching

frequency 2kHz) [4]

2.3 The input power factor control

The input power factor control capability is another attractive feature of matrix converters,
which holds for most of the control algorithms Despite of this common capability it is
worth noting that a basic difference exists with respect to the load displacement angle

11

dependency. For instance, the algorithm does not require the knowledge of the load
displacement angle in order to fully control the input power factor. On the contrary, the
algorithm does require the knowledge of the load displacement angle whenever the
reference input power factor is different from unity. From an algorithm computational
burden point of view this is a drawback, since it implies additional quite heavy
calculations.

Fig. 4 - Matrix converter input line-to-neutral voltage, instantaneous input

current and its average value. Switching frequency 2kHz. [4]

3. Implementation of the Matrix Converter

Looking at the basic features of the matrix converter that have been briefly described in
the previous sections it might be surprising to establish that this converter topology, today,
has not found a wide utilization yet. The reasons have to be sought in a number of
practical implementation problems that have slowed down the development of this
technology.

3.1 The bi-directional

commutation

switch

realization

and

A first key problem is related to the bi-directional switches realization. By definition, a

bidirectional switch is capable of conducting currents and blocking voltages of both
polarities, depending on control actual signal . But at present time a true bi-directional
switch is still not available on the market and thus it must be realized by the combination
of conventional unidirectional semiconductor devices. Fig.5 shows different
bi-directional switch configurations which have been used in prototype and/or proposed
in literature . Another problem, tightly related to the bi-directional switches

12

implementation, which has represented a main obstacle to the industrial success of the
matrix converter, is the commutation problem. The commutation issue basically rises
from the absence, in the matrix converters, of static freewheeling paths. As consequence
it becomes a difficult task to safely commutate the 20 current from one bi-directional
switch to another, since a particular care is required in the timing and synchronisation of
the switches command signals.
a) Diode bridge with a single IGBT
b) Two anti-paralleled IGBT
c) Two anti-paralleled NPT-IGBT

a).Diode bridge with a single IGBT

b).Two anti-paralleled IGBT with series diodes

c).Two anti-paralleled NPT-IGBTs with reverse blocking capability

Fig.5 Possible discrete implementations of a bi-directional switch[4]

13

3.1.1

Realization With Discrete Semiconductors

The diode bridge bidirectional switch cell arrangement consists of an insulated gate
bipolar transistor (IGBT) at the center of a single-phase diode bridge arrangement as
shown in Fig. 5(a). The main advantage is that both current directions are carried by the
same switching device, therefore, only one gate driver is required per switch cell. Device
losses are relatively high since there are three devices in each conduction path. The
direction of current through the switch cell cannot be controlled. This is a disadvantage,
as many of the advanced commutation methods described later require this. The common
emitter bidirectional switch cell arrangement consists of two diodes and two IGBTs
connected in antiparallel as shown in Fig. 5(a). The diodes are included to provide the
reverse blocking capability. There are several advantages in using this arrangement when
compared to the previous example. The first is that it is possible to independently control
the direction of the current. Conduction losses are also reduced since only two devices
carry the current at any one time. One possible disadvantage is that each bidirectional
switch cell requires an isolated power supply for the gate drives. The common collector
bidirectional switch cell arrangement is shown in Fig. 5(b). The conduction losses are the
same as for the common emitter configuration. An often-quoted advantage of this method
is that only six isolated power supplies are needed to supply the gate drive signals .
However, in practice, other constraints such as the need to minimize stray inductance
mean that operation with only six isolated supplies is generally not viable. Therefore, the
common emitter configuration is generally preferred for creating the matrix converter
bidirectional switch cells. Both the common collector and common emitter configurations
can be used without the central common connection, but this connection does provide
some transient benefits during switching. In the common emitter configuration, the
central connection also allows both devices to be controlled from one isolated gate drive
power supply.

3.1.2

Integrated Power Modules

It is possible to construct the common emitter bidirectional switch cell from discrete
components, but it is also possible to build a complete matrix converter in the package
style used for standard six-pack IGBT modules. This technology can be used to develop a
full matrix converter power circuit in a single package, as shown in Fig. 6.
This has been done by Eupec using devices connected in the common collector
configuration (Fig.7) and is now available commercially . This type of packaging will
have important benefits in terms of circuit layout as the stray inductance in the current
commutation paths can be minimized.
If the switching devices used for the bidirectional switch have a reverse voltage blocking

14

capability, for example, MOS turn-off thyristor (MTOs), then it is possible to build the
bidirectional switches by simply placing two devices in antiparallel.

Fig. 6 - Power stage of a matrix converter[1]

Fig. 7. The Eupec ECONOMAC matrix module[1]

3.2

CURRENT COMMUTATION

Reliable current commutation between switches in matrix converters is more difficult to

achieve than in conventional VSIs since there are no natural freewheeling paths. The
commutation has to be actively controlled at all times with respect to two basic rules.
These rules can be visualized by considering just two switch cells on one output phase of
a matrix converter. It is important that no two bidirectional switches are switched on at
any instant, as shown pictorially in Fig. 8(a). This would result in line-to-line short
circuits and the destruction of the converter due to over currents. Also, the bidirectional
switches for each output phase should not all be turned off at any instant, as shown in Fig.
8(b). This would result in the absence of a path for the inductive load current, causing
large overvoltages.

15

(a)
(b)
Fig 8- (a) Avoid short circuits on the matrix converter input lines. (b) Avoid open
circuits on the matrix converter output lines.[1]
These two considerations cause a conflict since semiconductor devices cannot be
switched instantaneously due to propagation delays and finite switching times.

3.2.1 Basic Current Commutation

The two simplest forms of commutation strategy intentionally break the rules given above
and need extra circuitry to avoid destruction of the converter. In overlap current
commutation, the incoming cell is fired before the outgoing cell is switched off. This
would normally cause a line-to-line short circuit but extra line inductance slows the rise
in current so that safe commutation is achieved. This is not a desirable method since the
inductors used are large. The switching time for each commutation is also greatly
increased which may cause control problems. Dead-time commutation uses a period
where no devices are gated, causing a momentary open circuit of the load. Snubbers or
clamping devices are then needed across the switch cells to provide a path for the load
current. This method is undesirable since energy is lost during every commutation and the
bidirectional nature of the switch cells further complicates the snubber design. The
clamping devices and the power loss associated with them also results in increased
converter volume.

3.2.2 Current Direction Based Commutation

A more reliable method of current commutation, which obeys the rules, uses a four-step
commutation strategy in which the direction of current flow through the commutation
cells can be controlled. To implement this strategy, the bidirectional switch cell must be
designed in such a way as to allow the direction of the current flow in each switch cell to
be controlled. Fig. 9 shows a schematic of a two-phase to single-phase matrix converter,
representing the first two switches in the converter shown in Fig. 1. In steady state, both
of the devices in the active bidirectional switch cell are gated to allow both directions of
current flow. The following explanation assumes that the load current is in the direction
shown and that the upper bidirectional switch (SAa ) is closed. When a commutation to SBa
is required, the current direction is used to determine which device in the active switch is

16

not conducting. This device is then turned off. In this case, device is turned SAa2 off. The
device that will conduct the current in the incoming switch is then gated, SBa1 in this
example. The load current transfers to the incoming device either at this point or when the
outgoing device (SAa1 ) is turned off.The remaining device in the incoming switch (SBa2 )
is turned on to allow current reversals. This process is shown as a timing diagram in Fig.
10; the delay between each switching event is determined by the device characteristics.

Fig. 9. Two-phase to single-phase matrix converter [1]

Fig. 10. Four-step semi-soft current commutation between two bidirectional switch
cells.[1]

17

This method allows the current to commutate from one switch cell to another without
causing a line-to-line short circuit or a load open circuit. One advantage of all these
techniques is that the switching losses in the silicon devices are reduced by 50% because
half of the commutation process is soft switching and, hence, this method is often called
semi-soft current commutation. One popular variation on this current commutation
concept is to only gate the conducting device in the active switch cell, which creates a
two-step current commutation strategy .
All the current commutation techniques in this category rely on knowledge of the
output line current direction. This can be difficult to reliably determine in a switching
power converter, especially at low current levels in high-power applications where
traditional current sensors such as Hall-effect probes are prone to producing uncertain
results. One method that has been used to avoid these potential hazard conditions is to
create a near-zero current zone where commutation is not allowed to take place, as
shown for a two-step strategy in the state representation diagram in Fig. 11. However, this
method will give rise to control problems at low current levels and at startup. To avoid
these current measurement problems, a technique for using the voltage across the
bidirectional switch to determine the current direction has been developed. This method
allows very accurate current direction detection with no external sensors. Because of the
accuracy available using this method, a two-step commutation strategy can be employed
with deadtimes when the current changes direction, as shown in Fig. 12. This technique
has been coupled with the addition of intelligence at the gate drive level to allow each
gate drive to independently control the current commutation .

Timing Diagram

State Diagram

Fig. 11. Two-step semi-soft current commutation between two bidirectional switch
cells[1]

18

Timing Diagram

State Diagram

Fig. 12. Two-step semi-soft current commutation with current direction detection
within the switch cell.[1]

3.2.3 Relative Voltage Magnitude Based Commutation

There have been two current commutation techniques proposed which use the relative
magnitudes of input voltages to calculate the required switching patterns. In the reduction
to a two-phase to single-phase converter, these both look identical and resulting timing
and phase diagrams are shown in Fig. 13. The main difference between these methods
and the current direction based techniques is that freewheel paths are turned on in the
input voltage based methods. In Metzi current commutation, all the devices are closed
except those required to block the reverse voltage. This allows for relatively simple
commutation of the current between phases. In , only one extra device is closed and the
commutation process has to pass between the voltage of the opposite polarity during
every commutation, leading to higher switching losses. To successfully implement this
type of commutation, it is necessary to accurately measure the relative magnitudes of the
input voltages.

19

Timing Diagram

State Diagram

Fig. 13. Voltage-based current commutation[1]

3.2.4

Soft-Switching Techniques

In many power converter circuits, the use of resonant switching techniques has been
proposed and investigated in order to reduce switching losses. In matrix converters,
resonant techniques have the additional benefit of solving the current commutation
problem. The techniques developed fall into two categories: resonant switch circuits and
auxiliary resonant circuits. All these circuits significantly increase the component count in
the matrix converter, increase the conduction losses, and most require modification to the
converter control algorithm to operate under all conditions.

20

4. Modulation Techniques

4.1 Basic Modulation Solution

The modulation problem normally considered for the matrix converter can be stated as
follows.
Given a set of input voltages and an assumed set of output currents

.........(1)

21

find a modulation matrix M(t)such that

......(2)
In (2), is the voltage gain between the output and input voltages.

.........
........(3)

(3)

........(4)

There are two basic solutions as shown in equation 3 and 4.

The solution in (3) yields i=o, giving the same phase displacement at the input and
output ports, whereas the solution in (4) yields i=-o ,giving reversed phase
displacement. Combining the two solutions provides the means for input displacement
factor control.
This basic solution represents a direct transfer function approach and is characterized
by the fact that, during each switch sequence time (Tseq), the average output voltage is
equal to the demand (target) voltage. For this to be possible, it is clear that the target
voltages must fit within the input voltage envelope for any output frequency. This leads to
a limitation on the maximum voltage ratio.

22

Fig. 14. Illustrating maximum voltage ratio of 50%[1]

4.2 Venturini Modulation Methods

The modulation solutions in (3) and (4) have a maximum voltage ratio (q) of 50% as
illustrated in Fig. 14. An improvement in the achievable voltage ratio to 3/2 (or 87%) is
possible by adding common-mode voltages to the target outputs as shown in (5).

Vo=qVim
........(5)

The common-mode voltages have no effect on the output line-to-line voltages, but allow
the target outputs to fit within the input voltage envelope with a value of q up to 87% as
illustrated in Fig. 15.The common-mode voltages have no effect on the outputline-to-line
voltages, but allow the target outputs to fit within the input voltage envelope with a value
of up to 87% as illustrated in Fig. 15.
The improvement in voltage ratio is achieved by redistributing the null output states of
the converter (all output lines connected to the same input line) and is analogous to the

23

similar well-established technique in conventional dc-link PWM converters. It should be

noted that a voltage ratio of 87% is the intrinsic maximum for any modulation method
where the target output voltage equals the mean output voltage during each switching
sequence.Venturini provides a rigorous proof of this fact.

Fig. 15 - Illustrating voltage ratio improvement to 87%[1]

The first method attributable to Venturini is defined by (3) and (4). However, calculating
the switch timings directly from these equations is cumbersome for a practical
implementation. They are more conveniently expressed directly in terms of the input
voltages and the target output voltages (assuming unity displacement factor) in the form
of (6).

.......(6)
This method is of little practical significance because of the 50% voltage ratio limitation.
Venturinis optimum method employs the common-mode addition technique defined in (5)
to achieve a maximum voltage ratio of 87%. The formal statement of the algorithm,
including displacement factor control, in Venturinis Algorithm is rather complex and
appears unsuited for real time implementation. In fact, if unity input displacement factor
is required, then the algorithm can be more simply stated in the form of (7)

24

......(7)

Note that, in (7), the target output voltages vj include the common-mode addition
defined in (5). Equation (7) provides a basis for real-time implementation of the optimum
amplitude Venturini method which is readily handled by processors up to sequence
(switching) frequencies of tens of kilohertz. Input displacement factor control can be
introduced by inserting a phase shift between the measured input voltages and the
voltages vk inserted into (7). However, like all other methods, displacement factor control
is at the expense of maximum voltage ratio.
Fig.16 illustrates typical line to supply neutral output voltage and current waveforms
generated by the Venturini method.

Fig. 16. Typical waveforms. (a) Phase output voltage. (b) Load current[1]

25

5. Practical Issues
5.1 Input Filters
Filters must be used at the input of the matrix converters to reduce the switching
frequency harmonics present in the input current. The requirements for the filter are as
follows:
1) to have a cutoff frequency lower than the switching frequency
of the converter;
2) to minimize its reactive power at the grid frequency;
3) to minimize the volume and weight for capacitors and chokes;
4) to minimize the filter inductance voltage drop at rated current in order to avoid a
reduction in the voltage transfer ratio.
It must be noticed that this filter does not need to store energy coming from the load.
Several filter configurations like simple LC and multistage LC have been investigated . It
has been shown that simple LC filtering, as shown in Fig. 17, is the best alternative
considering cost and size. The matrix converter is expected to be the pure silicon
converter, because it does not need large reactive elements to store energy.

Fig. 17. Matrix converter with LC filter.[1]

However, a recent study revealed that a matrix converter of 4 kW needed a larger volume
for reactive components than a comparable dc-link inverter , although this solution had
not been optimized for volume. Some preliminary research works have been reported
concerning the size reduction of the input filter . Due to the LC configuration of the input
filter, some problems appear during the power-up procedure of the matrix converter. It is
well known that an LC circuit can create overvoltage during transient operation. The

26

connection of damping resistors, as shown in Fig. 17, to reduce overvoltages is proposed.

The damping resistors are short circuited when the converter is running. The damping
resistors connected in parallel to the input reactors is proposed in Fig.18.

Fig. 18- L-C filter with parallel damping resistors[1]

5.2. Overvoltage Protection

In a matrix converter, overvoltages can appear from the input side, originated by line
perturbations. Also, dangerous overvoltages can appear from the output side, caused by
an overcurrent fault. When the switches are turned off, the current in the load is suddenly
interrupted. The energy stored in the motor inductance has to be discharged without
creating dangerous overvoltages.A clamp circuit, as shown in Fig. 19, is the most
common solution to avoid overvoltages coming from the grid and from the motor. This
clamp configuration uses 12 fast-recovery diodes to connect the capacitor to the input and
output terminals. A new clamp configuration uses six diodes from the bidirectional
switches to reduce the extra diodes to six . A different overvoltage protection strategy
replaces the clamp by varistors connected at the input and at the output terminals, plus a
simple extra circuit to protect each IGBT . A controlled shutdown of the converter
without using a clamp has been proposed. This strategy uses controlled freewheeling
states to reduce the motor current to zero, avoiding the generation of overvoltages.

27

Fig. 19. Matrix converter with clamp[1]

5.3 Ride-Through Capability

Ride-through capability is a desired characteristic in modern drives . A common solution
is to decelerate the drive during power loss, receiving energy from the load inertia to feed
the control electronics and to magnetize the motor. This is achieved by maintaining a
constant voltage in the dc-link capacitor. Matrix converters do not have a dc-link
capacitor and, for this reason, the previously mentioned strategy cannot be used.

Fig. 20. Configuration to achieve ride-through capability[1]

Fig. 20 shows a configuration proposed to provide short-term ride-through capability to a
matrix converter using the clamp capacitor as the source for a switch-mode power supply
which feeds the converter control circuit. After detection of a perturbation in the power
supply, the motor is disconnected from the grid, but the switches of the matrix converter

28

do not interruptthe motor currents. By applying the zero voltage vector (short circuit of
the motor leads), the stator currents and the energy
stored in the leakage inductance increases. The disconnection of the active switches
originates the conduction of the clamp capacitor. This energy is then used to feed the
control circuits. A flux and speed observer is used to restart the drive from nonzero flux
and speed conditions in the shortest time.

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6. Simulation and Result

Fig.-Simulink Model for Venturini Algorithm Based Modulation of

Matrix Converter

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Fig.- Switching Scheme for Matrix Converter Using Nine

Bidirectional Switches

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Fig.- Modulation Technique(Using Venturini Algorithm)

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Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S11

Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S12

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Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S13

Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S21

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Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S22

Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S23

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Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S31

Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S32

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Generation of Gate Signal for Switch S33

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Sum of all the three duty cycles for input

phase"a"

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Sum of all the three duty cycles for input

phase"b"

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Sum of all the three duty cycles for input

phase"c"

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6.CONCLUSIONS
After two decades of research effort, several modulation and control methods have been
developed for the matrix converter, allowing the generation of sinusoidal input and output
currents, operating with unity power factor using standard processors. The most
important practical implementation problem in the matrix converter circuit, the
commutation problem between two controlled bidirectional switches, has been solved
with the development of highly intelligent multistep commutation strategies. The solution
to this problem has been made possible by using powerful digital devices that are now
readily available in the market. Another important drawback that has been present in all
evaluations of matrix converters was the lack of a suitably packaged bidirectional switch
and the large number of power semiconductors. This limitation has recently been
overcome with the introduction of power modules which include the complete power
circuit of the matrix converter. However, research work has shown that the matrix
converter is not a pure silicon converter and that passive elements in the form of input
filters are needed. More work must be done in order to optimize the size of these filters.
Twenty years ago, the matrix converter had the potential to be a superior converter in
terms of its performance. Now, the matrix converter faces a very strong competition from
the VSI with a three-phase active front end (AFE). This fully regenerative VSI-AFE
topology has similar operating characteristics of sinusoidal input and output currents and
adjustable power factor. In addition, the technology is mature and well established in the
market. The real challenge for the matrix converter is to be accepted in the market. In
order to achieve this goal, the matrix converter must overcome the VSI-AFE solution in
terms of costs, size, and reliability. The matrix converter offers many potential benefits to
the power converter industry. It will not be the best solution for all uses, but it offers
significant advantages for many different applications.While, for many years, it seemed
that the matrix converter would be restricted to a small range of niche areas, the
commitment to invest in matrix converters from several large industrial drives
manufacturers may see the start of an industrywide uptake of this technology.
Cutting-edge research in power converters is currently aimed at the use of wide-bandgap
materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC). These materials offer
potential advantages over silicon devices, and research into the use of these devices in
prototype power converters is being reported.
Potential advantages include the following:
1) faster switchinglower switching loss;
2) higher temperature operationhigher power density;
3) higher voltage structures.
Where these advantages may seem ideal and exactly what power electronics researchers
have been looking for, considerable research needs to be carried out in order to realize
these potentials. The decrease in switching losses due to the promised increase in
switching speed cannot be presently implemented due to the associated problems caused

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to the EMI performance of the drive. Similarly, present packaging technology is the
limiting factor for the increased temperature operation of these new devices. A more
integrated approach to power converter design will be needed in the future which takes
packaging, thermal management, circuit layout, and EMI performance into account at the
same time. In this way, optimized structures which minimize commutation paths and
conducted EMI while obtaining high-temperature operation will be attained.

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7. Future Work
Future work should focus on the improvement of the developed code to control the
switching of the converter switches to obtain a better performance of the direct matrix
converter. The design of accurate voltage measurement and high sensitivity current
direction detection circuits is necessary. Since safe commutation depends solely on either
reliable detection of the load current direction or accurate voltage measurement. Besides,
improvement of both measurement circuits would solve the exiting problems.
Furthermore , future work could also focus on the evaluation of the proposed SV PWM
control strategy in the application of controlling the direct matrix converter topology. The
use of the SV PWM controlling mechanism offers full control of the generated output
voltage and input current waveforms. An IGBT matrix module (FM35R12KE3) is
available now in some areas for research purpose. It is advisable to use an IGBT module
for constructing the direct matrix converter, because by doing so, the research will only
emphasize on the development of the controlling algorithm.

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8. REFERENCES
1. Matrix Converters: A Technology Review Patrick W. Wheeler, Member, IEEE, Jos
Rodrguez, Senior Member, IEEE, Jon C. Clare, Member, IEEE, Lee Empringham,
Member, IEEE, and Alejandro Weinstein, IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL
ELECTRONICS, VOL. 49, NO. 2, APRIL 2002
2.A Review of Control and Modulation Methods for Matrix Converters-Jose Rodriguez,
Fellow, IEEE, Marco Rivera, Member, IEEE, Johan W. Kola,Fellow, IEEE, and Patrick W.
Wheeler, Member, IEEE
3. Modeling, Simulation and Analysis of Matrix Converter Using Matlab&Simulink.
Hulusi Karaca and Ramazan Akkaya
4. Control Techniques for Matrix Converters-Matteini

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